New signings can’t wait to cut the ice with Wild

a new business along with my ongoing education commitments, I wasn’t able to make all training sessions or games.

“I felt it wasn’t fair for me to be anything other than 100% committed to Widnes, I don’t like doing things halfheartedly. It was a tough decision but the right decision at the time and it gave me great pleasure seeing Widnes lift two trophies even if wasn’t on the ice for it.

“Looking ahead I think having the level of experience that Widnes does in terms of coaching staff is something I am very excited in being involved in.

“The idea of combining education and hockey in this country is something that is lacking from clubs and I’m really behind what Mike is bringing to Widnes.

“Also, I have never looked forward to coming back to play hockey so much and a big part of that is down to having the opportunity to ice with my brother Charlie for the first time since we both started playing.

“I’m looking forward to an exciting, challenging and most importantly successful season with the Wild.”

Clancy said: “Tom Ratcliffe has been a big part of the Wild organisation since its very first year 2013/14 and, other than a short education/ hockey break in the States, he’s been a great servant to the club.

“He is a very loyal guy and that trait is shown in the way he plays which is full blooded and never giving less than 100% to the team.

“When I noticed Tom had missed a good portion of last season, it struck me as a little strange, he’s always been a constant in the Wild teams for as long as I can remember. “To hear news on the new business venture whilst working through some education commitments as being the only reason for the playing gap, I was relieved and made it one of my early calls along with brother Charlie. “Tom brings a good work ethic along with some great experience of the education/ hockey pathway and I feel we can really use Tom’s experiences to help develop us as a club whilst offering support to the younger players coming in.”